'Ferrymen of life' ease organ donation process for patients' family members

Wang said coordinators are sometimes shunned, called names or misunderstood when they approach a potential donor's family members, who often think the patient can still be saved. Some are unhappy at being approached shortly after a loved one's death as they see it as a sort of curse.

When the medical team alerts Wang that a patient may be a potential donor, he ensures that he is fully prepared before he speaks with their immediate family members.

The meeting often starts with a discussion about the patient's condition, followed by details of the organ donation process to show the family how their relative can help others after death.

Wang said the family members may change their minds from time to time, as they usually experience inner struggles.

"Sometimes, they face criticism, such as 'He or she loved you so much in life, how can you leave him/her incomplete in death?' Nine out of 10 refuse for different reasons," he said.

He added that he often spends about a week dealing with his own negative emotions after each donation, and the best thing to do is to get back to work and allow fatigue to help him forget the pain.

Wang registered as a donor after working as a coordinator, and he has told his wife to donate his organs when he dies. "I think it's a continuation of life and the best choice," he said.